No no-goal could stop the Blackhawks from taking advantage of home ice Sunday. Despite one small scoring snafu they managed a 3-1 win over the L.A. Kings.

Captain Jonathan Toews had a chance to score the game-winning goal at 3:22 in the second period, and to everyone with a view and access to the NHL rulebook, it seemed he did when he powered to the net, and shot the puck that would ultimately go off of Kings defenseman Slaya Voynov‘s skate and in, just as Toews dove over goalie Jonathan Quick.

“At 3:22 of the second period in the Los Angeles Kings-Chicago Blackhawks game, the referee consulted video review to see if Jonathan Toews’ initial shot entered the Los Angeles net. It was determined Toews’ initial shot did not enter the net. The referee’s original call on the ice was “good goal” but a discussion between the on-ice officials resulted in a “no goal” decision because Toews made incidental contact with Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick before the puck crossed the goal line. This is not a reviewable play therefore the decision on the ice stands–no goal and no penalty.”

The issue with recalling the goal based on interference with the goalkeeper is this particular clause, “The rule will be enforced exclusively in accordance with the on-ice judgment of the Referee(s), and not by means of video replay or review.”

Another issue is that, were Toews responsible for interference, he should have been called for it and penalized–unless it were no fault of his own, which did appear to be the case, and would negate his responsibility for the interference.

The other issue mentioned through social media was that the puck was knocked in off of a skate (Rule 78). However, it was off a defending player’s skate (Voynov), which is fair game. The puck can deflect off of any part of the defending team.

“It’s going to be a work in progress, a challenge game in, game out,” Quenneville said. “They got three nice players that all complement one another. They’re dangerous. Every time they touch the puck, every time they’re on the ice, you got to be aware.”

Besides, the stakes are getting higher:

.@NHLBlackhawks Alright, here’s the wager; loser has to change twitter picture and name to opposing logo and hashtag. Deal?

Carly Mullady grew up needing to know more about icing than its deliciousness on cupcakes. She's the lone daughter of four children, with a father who was among the last cut from the Midwest tryouts for the 1980 Miracle on Ice Olympic team. And she knows very little matches the thrill that happens from puck-drop to handshakes.
A rink didn’t return to her hometown until she was gone, but she’s been able to see two younger brothers on the ice. She's their feistiest fan.
Her other hockey loyalty lies with the Blackhawks--whether it's meant seeing games for $8 with student IDs when the Madhouse didn’t have much of a temper at all, or dancing to Chelsea Dagger at standing room only--there’s something magical about a roaring anthem, the Indianhead sweater, and the Original Six.
A former journalist and current editor, she carries a penchant for excitement (and maybe even fighting) with a resume that includes working for Chicago-area newspapers, and television, including The Jerry Springer Show, as well as NBCUniversal in New York.
After East Coast living and a return to the Chicago area, the new Mrs. is giving Graceland a go with her Southern Gent, who now shares her adoration of the game, and their rescue dog, Doc Holliday.
Other interests include Cubs, Bears, Illini, Crimson Tide, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, baking a mean pineapple upside-down cake, Kate Spade accessories, and a properly coordinated cardigan for every ensemble.